Louis Vuitton Crowns Virgil Abloh as Its New Menswear Designer
Replacing Kim Jones.
In breaking news, French luxury house Louis Vuitton has just named Virgil Abloh as its new artistic director of menswear, replacing Kim Jones who announced his departure just last week.
Abloh’s new gig at LV will make him one of the few black designers at the top of a French heritage house, followed by Olivier Rousteing at Balmain and Ozwald Boateng, who was the designer for Givenchy menswear from 2003 to 2007. According to The New York Times, Abloh will relocate his family to Paris to fulfill his new role.
Before today’s official announcement, it was rumored Abloh would take over Jones’ spot. On the same day as his announcement to leave Louis Vuitton, Kim Jones posted a pair of Off-White™ x Air Jordan 1 sneakers, signed by Abloh himself, with the caption “Thanks Virgil, BIG LOVE.” Abloh will show his first collection for Louis Vuitton during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in June.
Abloh stated:
“I feel elated. This opportunity to think through what the next chapter of design and luxury will mean at a brand that represents the pinnacle of luxury was always a goal in my wildest dreams. And to show a younger generation that there is no one way anyone in this kind of position has to look is a fantastically modern spirit in which to start.”
